Architect Salary Sydney: Award Rates, Hourly Pay, and Annual Conversion Guide
Under the Architects Award 2020, a Level 1 entry graduate of architecture in Sydney earns $34.40 per hour, or $1,307.20 per week for 38 hours.
Understanding Architect Salary Sydney Under the Architects Award
If you are an architect or architecture graduate in Sydney, your minimum pay is set by the Architects Award 2020 (MA000079), which is enforced by the Fair Work Ombudsman. This guide explains how to convert your hourly rate to annual salary, what the award says about casual loading, superannuation, and how it compares to the National Minimum Wage.
Award Rates for Architects in Sydney
The Architects Award covers graduates of architecture and registered architects. The minimum rates from 1 July 2026 are:
- Level 1 – Graduate of Architecture (entry): $34.40 per hour, $1,307.20 per week
- Level 1 – 1st pay point: $36.22 per hour, $1,376.30 per week
- Level 1 – 2nd pay point: $38.04 per hour, $1,445.40 per week
- Level 2(a) – Experienced Graduate of Architecture: $39.77 per hour, $1,511.30 per week
- Level 2(b) – Registered Architect (entry): $39.77 per hour, $1,511.30 per week
- Level 2(b) – 1st pay point: $41.00 per hour, $1,558.00 per week
- Level 2(b) – 2nd pay point: $42.23 per hour, $1,604.80 per week
These rates apply to full-time and part-time employees. Part-time employees are paid the same hourly rate but work fewer than 38 hours per week. For a full list of classifications, see the reference tables on our site.
Converting Hourly to Annual: The Formula
To estimate your annual gross pay from an hourly rate, use this formula:
Annual gross ≈ hourly rate × hours per week × 52
For a full-time architect working 38 hours per week at the Level 1 entry rate:
$34.40 × 38 × 52 = $68,190.40 per year
This matches the annual rate published in the award ($68,191). The weekly rate is calculated by multiplying the annual rate by 6 and dividing by 313, then rounding to the nearest 10 cents. Our hourly conversion tool does this for you.
If you are paid fortnightly, multiply the weekly rate by 2. For example, $1,307.20 per week × 2 = $2,614.40 per fortnight.
Casual Loading and Overtime
Casual employees receive a 25% loading on the minimum hourly rate for ordinary hours. For a Level 1 entry graduate, the casual rate is $43.00 per hour. This loading compensates for not receiving paid leave or other entitlements. Overtime is paid at 150% of the base hourly rate (not the casual rate). For example, overtime for a Level 1 entry graduate is $51.60 per hour. See our casual loading page for more details.
National Minimum Wage vs Award Rates
The National Minimum Wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week for 38 hours. This is the legal minimum for employees not covered by an award. However, the Architects Award sets higher minimums for architecture graduates and registered architects. Even the lowest award rate ($34.40) is well above the national minimum. If you are an architecture student under 21, different rates apply, starting at $12.04 per hour for the first 13 weeks.
Superannuation and Tax
Superannuation is paid on top of your gross pay. From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee rate is 12% of ordinary earnings, up to a maximum contribution base of $270,830 per year. For a Level 1 entry architect earning $68,190.40, the employer must contribute $8,182.85 in super (12% of $68,190.40). This is not deducted from your pay; it is an additional benefit.
Income tax for 2026–27 is calculated on the resident tax scale:
- Nil tax on the first $18,200
- 15% on income from $18,201 to $45,000
- 30% on income from $45,001 to $135,000
- 37% on income from $135,001 to $190,000
- 45% on income above $190,000
Plus a Medicare levy of 2% (with possible reductions for low-income earners). For a $68,190.40 salary, the estimated tax is approximately $11,467 (including Medicare). Use our take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate.
Comparing to Average Earnings
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported average weekly earnings for full-time adult ordinary time employees at $2,083.70 per week (May 2026). A Level 1 entry architect’s weekly pay of $1,307.20 is below this average, but experienced registered architects at Level 2(b) 2nd pay point earn $1,604.80 per week, closer to the average. All employees total earnings (including part-time) averaged $1,579.20 per week. See our average pay page for more comparisons.
Important Disclaimer
Annual pay estimates on this page assume the same rate every week, no unpaid overtime, no penalty rates, no allowances, and no salary sacrifice. Super is estimated at 12% of ordinary earnings only, paid on top, and stops at the $270,830 maximum contribution base. Tax uses the 2026–27 resident scale with the full tax-free threshold. Medicare uses the 2025–26 single reduction thresholds because the 2026–27 reduction thresholds were not confirmed here. HELP, the Medicare levy surcharge, and salary packaging are not deducted. This is an estimate, not a determination of your pay or tax.
For authoritative award information, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides and the Architects Award 2020. Use our pay guides to stay updated on rate changes.
Open the same rate on the home timesheet. Read the reference tables before treating a figure as your pay.